William James Glester

William "Bill" James, Glester, Sr., age 83 of Bolivar, MO. died at 7:45am, Sunday, March 4, 2007 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, MO. after a short illness. He was born February 14, 1924 in Avenel, New Jersey to John & Mary Glester. Bill was a WW II Veteran serving in the US Army First Airborne Division 509. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. A True Patriot and Hero. He was a member of the DAV Chapter 66 and the Military Order Purple Heart. A charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council 8931 in Bolivar serving as Past State Warden, Past District Deputy, Past Faithful Navigator, and Past Grand Knight. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bolivar. He loved God and his faith. Bill moved to Bolivar in 1972 after retiring from Lakehurst Naval Air Station and became a Missouri Farmer raising beef cattle for over twenty years. He always said farming was harder than his former job but loved every minute of it. Especially putting up hay every year. Bill enjoyed playing Bingo, traveling to the casinos, fishing, hunting, and an occasional game of golf. He was the first to volunteer for anything. He helped establish the Island Heights N.J. Volunteer Fire Co. and First Aid where he served for many years while living in New Jersey. He loved to tell jokes and was a friend to everyone. He loved to scratch he pearly white hair on his head. His love will last forever and he will be missed by all. Bill is survived by his Daughter; Donna Cox and husband Joe of Bolivar, Daughter-In-Law; Karen Glester of South Palm Beach, FL., Brother; Harold and wife Dana of Ft. Meyers, FL., three Sisters; Grace Mintel and Eva Jensen both of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Dorothy Avery of Toms River, N.J., Sister-In-Law; Ora Lee Cox of Ojai, CA. Five Grandchildren; Bill Glester III and wife Tracy, Wendy Glester, Jenny Pendleton and husband Russ, Abby jo Pastore and husband Jeff, and Jimmy Cox. Eight Great Grandchildren; Hailey, Noah, and Gaven Glester, Wesley and Kirsten Pendleton, Jenna jo, Jeffrey and Ava Pastore. Bill was blessed with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Wife; Bettie Jo and two Sons; Bill Glester, Jr., and Robert Glester, Parents; John and Mary Glester, two Brothers; Joe and Jack, and two Sisters; Alice and Florence. A Mass Of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am, Friday, March 9, 2007 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bolivar, MO. with Father Pat Wissman officiating. Bill Otradovec will serve as Lector and Jim Otradovec will serve as Altar Server. Musical selections will be "On Eagles Wings", "Be Not Afraid", "Lead Me Lord", and Cantor will be Max Baer with solo of "Our Father", and Choir selection of "Song Of Farewell". Carol Francka will be the Organist. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar, MO. under the direction of Butler Funeral Home. Casketbearers will be: Russ Pendleton, Mark Stanek, Jerry Sukovaty, John Kroutil, Charles Stanek, and Bill Cassett. Military Honors will be provided by AMVETS Post #114, Flemington, Missouri. Visitation will be from 6-7pm, Thursday, March 8, 2007 with a Vigil Service following at 7pm at the church. Friends may sign the guest book or send private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

William James Glester

February 14, 1924 - March 4, 2007